Operation Black Sea Harmony
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Black Sea Harmony is a naval operation initiated by Turkey in March 2004 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1373, 1540 and 1566 aimed at deterring terrorism and asymmetric threats worldwide. It is similar to the NATO-led Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean, and also aims at ensuring the security of the Turkish Straits, namely the Istanbul and the Canakkale.
Although it is a national operation at this stage, Black Sea Harmony is expected to become a multinational one with the participation of other Black Sea littoral States. Turkey has extended invitations to each littoral state to join Black Sea Harmony.
The operation is currently being conducted in Turkey's territorial waters in the Black Sea. In order to deter possible risks and threats in the maritime area, the Turkish Navy conducts periodic surveillance and reconnaissance operations in these waters. Statistics concerning suspect ships are collected and shared with NATO and other littoral nations. In case of hailing of a suspect ship, voluntary boarding (depending on the captain's will) is conducted.
Permanent headquarters of Operation Black Sea Harmony is located in Eregli, on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Once the Operation becomes multinational, other littoral States will be able to send Liaison Officers to Eregli.
December 27, 2006 - Russia officially joins Black Sea Harmony initiative to address new security challenges in region.
A Protocol on information exchange regarding Ukraine's participation was signed in Ankara on 17 January 2007.
